Gas Fireplaces
If there was ever a 21st century innovation that could displace the traditional wood fireplace in homes all across Philadelphia and the world, it would be the gas fireplace.
Heating up for the past couple decades, the gas fireplace is quickly replacing the wood burning fireplace in new home builds, but also taking their place when fireplaces are upgraded with gas inserts.
With shifting markets and demands that come with time and technology, so to must your city’s chimney sweep evolve with those changes. That’s why Philadelphia Chimney Sweep is fully invested in gas fireplaces with the right technology and licensed and trained professionals.
When it comes to gas fireplaces, we have the same trusted expertise, friendly service, and competitive pricing, but with the technical know-how to clean and service your gas fireplace.
Switch from Wood to Gas Fireplace
Wood fireplaces have a certain design aesthetic and they create atmosphere in your home. On a certain level they can’t be beat.
However, gas fireplaces compete with wood fireplaces and in some cases win by a large margin. It’s easy to see why gas is taking over.
1. No cleanup. Probably the most obvious differentiator. With wood you have the very dirty ash to clean up after each burn and then to discard. Gas doesn’t leave behind any immediate byproduct of burning.
2. Accessible fuel. Gas fireplaces will connect to your existing propane or natural gas lines. With wood you either have to buy pre-cut wood or split your own.
3. Easy to Start. Once you know your setup, which are all pretty easy, it’s a cinch to get a fire going. There’s no kindling or fanning flames to deal with.
4. Cleaner air. Hands down, gas produces much cleaner and healthier air than a wood fireplace.
5. Cheaper to install. You don’t require all the extras that come with a wood fireplace. Gas fireplaces are generally a third cheaper.
As you can see, installing a gas fireplace in a new build or replacing your current wood fireplace has a lot of benefits, which need to weighed and considered if you are set on a wood fireplace.
Can I Switch to a Gas Fireplace?
Looking at the benefits of a gas fireplace you may be asking yourself if a gas system is best for your living situation. Luckily a gas system can be fitted into any home.
1. There are two fuels for gas fireplaces. Natural Gas and Propane. If you are in the city and have natural gas, installing a gas system is straight forward. Homes outside of town with propane can install a gas fireplace. Otherwise a propane system will have to be installed.
2. Do I need a chimney? No! That’s one of the best features of a gas fireplace. Specifically, ventless gas fireplaces use your indoor air for combustion and vent through the same room – a testament to their efficiency. Other gas fireplaces require proper venting, but not a full chimney. They can use a stainless steal flue duct within your interior wall.
3. Can I turn my wood fireplace into a gas fireplace? Absolutely! You’ll want a gas insert for this job. They go into your existing fireplace and require the use of the flue. Or you can go with a ventless gas insert, which will not require use of your chimney. Naturally, you’ll need a to run gas line.
4. Does a gas fireplace require cleaning and sweeping? Yes it does! Please see our next section.
Cleaning a Gas Fireplace
Yes, a gas fireplace requires yearly cleaning and maintenance every year, just as a wood fireplace. It’s not nearly as complicated and dirty as a traditional chimney sweep, but there are still dangers that need to watched out for.
1. Creosote and soot is a problem. The buildup of creosote isn’t as severe but it’s enough to that it needs to cleaned along with the soot.
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning. With vented gas fireplaces that still use the flue to vent gas, obstructions can happen in the chimney which allows it to not draft as it should. This can lead to carbon monoxide entering your home. If you turn your gas fireplace on and your CO alarm goes off that could mean an obstruction.
3. More delicate parts. While wood fireplace have robust and basic parts and structure, gas fireplaces have more delicate and finely detailed parts.